The Australian Friends of Tel Aviv University (AFTAU) have launched a Scholarship Fund which will provide financial assistance to students at New South Wales universities wishing to study on exchange at Tel Aviv University.

Sam Moss, Joseph Brender, Amos Elad (Vice President TAU), John Howard, David Dinte.

David Dinte, President of AFTAU told J-Wire that the event had been a huge success, raising over $200,000.

Following his address, former Prime Minister John Howard was presented with the George S Wise Medal, Tel Aviv University’s highest honour.

The medal represents formal recognition of John Howard’s extraordinary contribution to society.

The President of Tel Aviv University, Professor Joseph Klafter told John Howard “Your significant political, economic and social achievements as the second longest serving Australian Prime Minister, together with your unwavering, courageous advocacy of the State of Israel spanning decades, your deep, abiding friendship with the Australian Jewish Community, and your condemnation of International terrorism in all its forms, resonate well with the precepts as emulated by George Wise”.

Dinte commented that “Mr Howard is only the 10th Recipient of the George S Wise Medal since its inception in 1986. Other distinguished recipients of this Award include Abba Eban, Ilan Ramon, Stanley Fischer and Dominique de Villepin”.

David Dinte further commented “The AFTAU Scholarship Fund is the first of its kind amongst the Tel Aviv University Friends Associations around the world. As well as providing an amazing educational experience for the students, it will also create wonderful Ambassadors for Tel Aviv University and Israel. The Fund has the added benefit that it has obtained tax deductibility for donations made to it”.